BNU scoops award for its response to cost-of-living crisis 

Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) has scooped a prestigious and coveted award for its response to the cost-of-living crisis at a ceremony in London (26 April). The 2023 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCA), the leading higher education awards based solely on student choice, recognised the sector-leading partnership work of the University and Bucks Students’ Union to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis facing BNU’s students. 

The submission demonstrated the impact of the partnership to support the University’s students through tough financial times. The panel of student judges were impressed by the University’s implementation of extensive and targeted support:  

• £700k allocated to 1,172 students through bursaries and hardship funds to help with the costs of household bills, rent, food, course resources and transport 

• 6,000 free breakfasts, lunches and dinners provided to 783 students 

• £50k projected savings from catering initiatives for our student community in 2022/23. 

BNU was also recognised in three other categories, ranking 5th for Students’ Union, 9th for International and 10th for its Student Support. 

The University was also ranked 11th overall for its Lecturers and Teaching Quality, and 15th for Career Prospects.  

Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Braisby‍ said:  

“We take great pride in BNU being recognised at the 2023 Whatuni Student Choice Awards which is thanks to our people’s hard work, and our commitment always to do the right thing by our students. Being nominated for international, Students’ Union, and student support is a tremendous achievement. Our response to the cost-of-living crisis was recognised as truly sector-leading, and we can take great pride that this was identified as the best support offered within UK higher education. This was also an excellent example of how the University works together in partnership with Bucks Students’ Union to provide our students with the best possible experience.”  

“Simon Emmett, CEO at IDP Connect, which operates the WUSCAs, said: “The Whatuni awards celebrate the resilience and innovation within higher education, as well as championing the student voice to drive better experiences and outcomes for students. We’re proud to focus on all the good that universities do and celebrate their successes.” 

Each year, the WUSCA team receives approximately 35,000 verified reviews from on-campus visits across the country and online submissions via the whatuni.com website. 

The WUSCAs are the only annual awards that are based solely on the views of real students studying in the UK and allow students to access honest, unbiased data to make the right choices about their future on the Whatuni platform.